Week of October 31, 2023

Hi Clovis Fam,

This week’s President’s Reflections and Activity’s report will be short as I have been out of the office a few times this week.

On Saturday, I actually only did paperwork and caught up on things that needed to be done to meet deadlines. I usually only report to you the highlights of my week, but I also wanted you to know that while I am out and about at meetings and community events, I am also still making sure that the day-to-day operations of the college are occurring as needed. And, like you, I also have to wash clothes, clean my house, and cook. I’m still human. 😊

On Sunday morning, I came by the office after church to spend time with my airplane model friends. I hadn’t talked about them in a while. They were glad to see me and were excited to see me especially as I took out my folding care and came out to sit down with them. I watch them do combat. It was very exciting, invigorating and sad at the same time. One minute I’m yelling and screaming as I am watching the maneuvers of a plane dive or come from behind to take out another plane. Then, the next moment I am sad to watch the owner of the plane that went down take the lonely long walk across our field to look for and retrieve his damaged and downed plane. I was there until there was only one plane left and the winner was proclaimed. Two lost because they ran out of flying power, i.e., their battery died. I watched them as they came into a slow controlled landing. On Sunday night, I went to the Hollin Wolf to listen to some live music. I was invited by the guitarist from the band that played at the Comcast event, where I received the $20,000 check. It was very nice, the music was good; the band was awesome, and the singing was old school rhythm and blues. They had a quest singer come in from Atlanta who worked the crowd. It was a lot of fun. Good to get out into the community and just enjoy the talent.

On Monday, I met with the presidents for President’s Council, and I then drove to the District Office for Chancellor’s Cabinet. We looked at our weekly enrollment numbers, reviewed ARs and BPs, and prepared for next week’s Board meeting. I returned to campus and hung out with GSA and the Karaoke night event. It was a lot of fun. I even got up and tried to sing (I can’t sing not one lick) Diana Ross and the Supreme songs that I didn’t even know the words to. Kirk and Leslie tried to help but to no avail. I left there and went to go buy my Halloween Costume and attended the Clovis City Council meeting.

On Tuesday, I started my day at the Communication Council at the District Office. It was a productive meeting where we basically reviewed processes and gave reports. Leslie attended the meeting in Caryss’s absence. In the afternoon, I got to participate in the ASG’s Halloween event. It was well done and well attended. It was great to see all the faculty and classified staff out supporting our students. It was great seeing all the activities and costumes. I was too chicken to go into the haunted house…maybe next year. Of all the people dressed up I saw incredible costumes. As we focus on engagement, it is important that our students see us also having fun and enjoying ourselves and them. Nice job Maricarmen. Great costume to the costume winner--- the CLOWN IT. I was dressed as the cowardly lion and to my surprise, everyone told me that so was Omar!!!! I was looking for him, but I never found him. I then headed over to Herndon to trick or treat with everyone over there. I passed out candy to everyone I saw. I met our new Senior Admission and Records Assistant, Cameron Ferraro. I left candy for Taylor, and I barged into a meeting that Nico was having with Don Lopez about Dual Enrollment application process, issues and solutions. I was glad I stayed even though that was not my original intent. As we are looking to provide Dual Enrollment for CUSD starting this summer, I wanted it to be known that this is a priority and the CUSD barrier has been moved. When I got home, I confused my dog because I looked like a large upright animal and that is not how I looked when I left the house. In the evening, I handed out candy to the kids in my neighborhood.

On Wednesday, I met with Teresa for our regular Academic Senate meeting. I had questions about CBE/ CPL and wanted her perspective on faculty views. I also asked about dual enrollment and talked about processes to best build the program with input from the onset. We talked about Distance Education needs post Covid and strategized about processes to move all issues forward. I then had the pleasure of introducing the STEM speaker Danni Washington, a marine biologist social media influencer, from Miami, Florida, at the K-16 STEM event. I had the opportunity to listen to her talk to high school and college students about the field and how media and arts can play a role in encouraging more women and unrepresented people to the field. I also had the pleasure of attending the session she held for faculty. Outstanding opportunity for our students. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing her to Clovis and for opening up the opportunity to our high school students. I also had the pleasure of taking Danni to dinner. She is a vegetarian who loves Indian food. She absolutely loved Indian Kebab Place. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk about science and student recruitment to the Science field with her. Thank you, Megan Bennett and everyone for a wonderful event.

On November 1st, we were able to publicly announce that we were recognized as the Champion of Higher Education for our exemplary work in implementing the Associate Degree for Transfer from The Campaign for College Opportunity. Congratulations everyone for providing excellent instruction and services that result in our students being best prepared for transfer and beyond. We also entered into the month where we celebrate and recognize National Native American Heritage month. As the land that we teach and learn on as well as the surrounding areas are sacred ground, I am reminded and humbled by what this means. I am reminded of the land acknowledgement developed by Galin. I hope that we all take pause and reflect on not only the sacrifices but also of the major contributions.

On Thursday, I started my day at the Reedley College President’s State of the College Address. I then came back to attend the Commencement Advisory Committee meeting. The advisory committee has a well-developed timeline in place to execute for commencement 2024. Several PRs have started for example, stages, chairs, lights, etc. Great conversations about process improvement and things learned from previous graduation. I applaud the advisory group for using a data informed method to the process. Then I finished my day with College Council where we had presentations on ILOs by Anna and the majority of the meeting was spent listening to Interim VC of Finance Andy Dunn talked about the State Budget and The District Budget. He also talked about the 50% law and Student Funding. He answered questions about credit card usage, student organization fees and other topics. On my way back from College Council, I was invited into Max’s music room. The students were inviting, and I got to listen to a gifted guitarist who I understand was recognized for his talent in junior high. He is preparing for an international competition. Then after I left the music room, a student from the Speech and Debate Club came up to me to introduce himself to me and to let me know he was heading to competition. He was so excited as was I for him. He will tell me how he did when he returns.

On Friday, I spent all day at the District Office Managers training. We had consultants and lawyers present to provide training on Freedom of Speech topics.

Lastly, from Tuesday through Friday, I had the honor of viewing the Day of the Dead display. I am grateful to Felipe and his Ethnic Studies Class for taking the time to allow us to share in such an important and impactful way to honor our loved ones who have passed.

Thank you, everyone for making learning relevant, current and culturally significant. I could not be prouder of everyone’s commitment to student success and Creating Opportunities-One Student at a Time. You embodied the Clovis Sprit everyone. It is naturally who you are, and it shows.

Well, I told you it would be short this week. I am not on campus on Friday, but I did not want to miss an opportunity to tell you all how much I appreciate you and that I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend. And, that you get to have a special time with family and friends.

Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you on Monday.

In service,

Kim E. Armstrong, Ph.D